Past Endeavors Writing And Photography

Hey guys, I wanted to tell you about my journey with writing and photography. I was a teenager when I got my first phone with a camera, it was maybe in 2005. I was thrilled. From that point on I liked documenting events through my own photos. I took so many pictures!

My early photography

I got my first digital camera in 2010 when I was
going on my first trip out of the country. It was a Nikon Coolpix S3000. I loved it so much. I look so many pictures. After that, I had two other cameras (both Nikon). Now I primarily photograph using my iPhone. I love it! My photography skills have improved drastically over the years. I love taking pictures as you already know. I don’t know if and when I’ll get another camera. But I will see if I can use my digital camera more.
One night as I was scrolling through my computer looking at Yahoo! for the latest info, i came across Flickr. I loved Flickr and I still have a soft spot for it. I made my first account there maybe in 2009. Flickr was a great way to showcase your photos and artwork at that time. I took a break from it and then, I started another account later, 2012 maybe. I started using Shutterfly in the midst of that, and made my first Share Site January 11, 2011. Shutterfly is an awesome way to share pictures from different life events and vacations. I made an Instagram account years before using it. Now I love Instagram, I post photos and videos from everyday things on there, events, and vacations.
I don’t have as much to say about writing. I wrote the usual papers for school. Growing up and through college, I drew, wrote songs and poems, did a few recipes, and even a story or two. I have not done that much writing and drawing in the past couple of years. I just decided to write more, blog, last month. I had made a blog on Blogspot in 2014, but did not do much with it, I remembered I had it a few weeks ago. I’m so glad I decided to go for it and start The Up Side Blog, I am so proud of my blog and how it came together since I started my Instagram account and Facebook page for it back in March.

Thank you for reading and I appreciate you all very much. Tell me about your experiences with writing and photography through the years!

Signing out,
Kara Simone.

Literary Bliss

Hey guys! It's been a while since I've had my nose in a book. There is nothing like sitting down and opening a book for the first time. Reading is an activity for me that requires deep concentration, something I love, and awakens my wildly vivid imagination. Cracking open a book gives me unexplainable joy. It takes me a week to finish a book at most.
When I look for a book, I want something that captures my attention immediately. I could read something with melancholic substance such as Life of Pi or a light funny read like Confessions of a Shopaholic. I have read my share of YA books including The Fault In Our Stars. I love Star Trek, so I pick up a Star Trek book if I see one (Thank you GoodWill!). I like a good variety of reading material. Sometimes I'll even put on music while I read. I have also made myself a nice cup of tea while I sit downstairs doing some late night reading.

What are some of my all time favorite reads?

• How To Be An American Housewife – Margaret Dilloway
• Life of Pi – Yann Martel
• Confessions of a Shopaholic – Sophie Kinsella
• A Walk To Remember – Nicholas Sparks
• The Fault In Our Stars – John Green
• The Hunger Games – Suzanne Collins

I could go on all day about books, I love reading. I need to find a book to read as soon as possible! What is your favorite book?

Thank you for reading!

Kara Simone

Anti-stress Dead Sea Minerals Clay Mask

Hey guys! So I thought it was time to finally dig in to my Feeling Beautiful Anti-Stress Dead Sea Minerals clay mask I got by Freeman Beauty. The mask was bought from Walmart while I was in Grundy, Virginia for a short trip. I love putting on a clay mask, they are messy to apply, but fun nonetheless.
This mask is in a 6 fl. oz. tube, I had to squeeze it out. First off, it smells amazing!!!!!! Before applying the mask, I cleansed my face using a micellar water wipe. The mask felt good, but once it dried my face was a bit itchy. I washed the mask off and my skin felt soft and refreshed, but I did end up putting lotion on my face (my skin type is dry).
My overall verdict: I'm using it again. I loved it! It smells so good that I'm thinking about the next time I'm going to use it already.

Thank you for reading!
Kara Simone

About Face [Masks]

Hey guys! Well I have been using face masks for a few months now and have tried my fair share. I love a good mask! Putting on a face mask, whether it be a clay mask or a sheet mask, is a great way to relax. Masks are relaxing and they definitely beneficial. Face masks have been around for a while now, although they have become trendy recently. Sheet masks originated in Korea. I love going to the store and picking out a mask. I want to share things I learned.

What you need to know when buying/using a mask:

• Identify your skin type.
• Clean your face before applying the mask.
• Have your hair out of your face when you apply the mask.
• Read ingredients and instructions carefully.
• Sheet masks are best enjoyed laying down.
• When applying a clay mask, use your index and middle finger to apply it.
• Price check!!!
• If you are somewhere like Ulta or Sephora, ask questions.
• Masks have different purposes. They can brighten, hydrate, or smooth the skin.

Brands I've used: Freeman Beauty, TonyMoly, Soo AE, and Andalou Naturals.

I have found masks at Wal-Mart, Target, Ulta, TJ Maxx, and Sephora. Sephora can get pricey, so I would recommend going there only if you are willing to splurge. Masks generally are not expensive, I have paid a dollar for one I got at TJ Maxx. Otherwise your average single use mask could be from $2.50 to $5.00. My favorite place to get a mask is Ulta, they have a great variety of masks for reasonable prices. Since you read this whole post go ahead and reward yourself with a mask!

Thank you for reading!
Kara Simone

My Blogging Adventure

Hey guys!!! I would like to tell you about how I got started blogging. I created an Instagram account and Facebook page for The Up Side on March 7. I had no idea where I planned to go with The Up Side when I started. I'm still figuring things out. I'm so glad that I have stuck with blogging.
A few things that I love featuring on my blog: face masks, travel, and things around my area.
I have been learning a lot since I started in March. I'm at the point now where I feel I can confidently tell people I have a blog. I'm proud of what I've been working on these last five months.
Some of my favorite bloggers that I discovered through Instagram (I am very much addicted to it.) are Eva Amurri Martino [The Happily Eva After], Lisa Jean-Francois [Lisa A La Mode], and Chriselle Lim. They are approachable, have amazing content, and are consistent. I feel like those things are important in a blogger. I strive to do those things and get better and better at it. I'm excited about my adventure having a blog.

I'm also on Instagram & Facebook.

Thank you for reading.
Kara Simone

Unique Blogger Award

I recently have been nominated for the Unique Blogger Award. I'm excited about it and I don't know where to start. I have been blogging only a short time. I'm so happy about this!!!!! Thank you Ben Lessard!

Here are the rules as follows:
-Share the link of the blogger who has shown love to you by nominating you.
• Answer the questions.
• In the spirit of sharing love and solidarity with our blogging family, nominate people for the same award.
• Ask them 3 questions.

I was asked three questions:
1. What’s one challenging moment you had to overcome? Well in blogging it was taking the plunge and actually pushing myself to keep going despite reservations.
2. What’s one thing you’d wish you could change in today’s society? I wish I could change how divided society is on some issues. Also, I would feel better if the job market was easier for new grads.
3. What’s one thing you like and dislike about the current advancement of technology? I love how accessible technology is. I like being able to research things I want to buy easily and also I like that I can stay in touch with people through social media. The annoying thing about technology is that it changes so quickly, especially with Apple devices.

Here are people I would like to nominate:
Astrid
Caroline
Mikee
Ben

Questions:
What made you start blogging?
What music boosts your mood?
What do you look for in a place you travel to?

Soo AE Nature Collagen Essence Mask

Hey guys! I was in major need of a pick me up. So I decided to make myself some tea and put on a mask. The mask I put on today was an Aloe Nature Collagen Essence Mask by SOO AE. The aloe is perfect for my dry skin. I got it from Wal-Mart during my trip to Virginia earlier this summer.
I am happy to say I am getting good at putting on a sheet mask! The mask was easy to unfold and it did not slide off my face! I'm so happy about that! It feels amazing on, I had no trouble with it! After it was time to take it off, I gently patted my face so it could soak in the remaining serum. My face feels so soft and moisturized. I definitely feel more relaxed. Also the mask smells amazing! I'm in love!!!!!
Here's a few tricks I learned: When I put my mask on laying down, I didn't have to worry about it sliding off. Also before applying my mask, I swiped my face with a micellar water wipe (Always make sure your face is clean before applying a mask!).
Enjoy your weekend and thanks for reading!
Kara Simone

Mall Haul!

Hey guys! I had been dying to go to Crabtree Valley Mall here in Raleigh. I finally did. I am glad I did! I caught a sale at Aeropostale and went into Sephora the first time. I'm so excited about the stuff I got!
I did not even plan to go into Aeropostale, it just so happened I wanted to look in there for a wallet. As I was looking, I noticed they had a buy one get two free special on headbands and I had to get some! I love the 3 I picked out! I'm a big fan of cloth headbands and couldn't pass up this amazing deal!
After I was done in Aeropostale, I went in Sephora, I loved it there! So much stuff! I'm not huge on wearing makeup, but as you know, I love a good face mask and Sephora had an abundance! I have a budget, so I decided I would pick out one mask to buy. I got an avocado mask and I joined their Beauty Insider rewards program. I'm definitely coming back, the consultants are so nice and helpful!
I had fun at the mall and am glad I stayed in my budget! I can't wait to tell you all what I think about the mask when I use it!

Happy shopping!
Kara Simone

Bubble Mask

Hey guys! I had to get ready for an event (the Regional Convention) so I decided it was the perfect time to put on a mask. I was pumped about trying this mask! I loved the thrill of trying a bubble mask, it seemed fun!
As it turned out, it was fun. I had a hard time trying to adjust the holes in the mask for my eyes & nose, so I just ended up rubbing some of the excess serum on my face. The mask felt really good and I liked how it foamed while it was on my face, that was cool.
I loved the mask, it had excellent results! My skin feels nice and moist. I'm definitely going to get it again. I got the mask from Ulta a few weeks ago. Check out more on the mask I used here! I love going to Ulta, I went there yesterday and snagged a really cute white eyelet headband, along with a pomegranate and peptides face mask. I can't wait to wear my headband! Of course I'm excited about my new mask, I look forward to trying it! Don't forget to follow here for more! Thanks for reading!

Have a great weekend!
Kara Simone

Taking Photos and Getting Your Photo Taken

I like a good photo. Whether I take a photo of some pretty scenery, food, myself, or other people I am a bit of a perfectionist. I need to get the photo just right. I also am particular when I get a photo taken of myself. Anyone else really particular about how their pictures come out? This particular subject came to mind because I had some pictures taken of me and I learned that I need to look in the mirror and make sure I know how I want to pose.
I have had an interest in taking pictures since I was a teenager. I like the thrill of whipping my camera, these days my phone, and just taking pictures. It is a fun way to keep memories and photos are fun to look back on. My love for photography is part of what led me to finally start blogging. Now months later, I'm still learning, but I know what content I want to put out when I blog.
Back to pictures, when I travel I love taking pictures. I want to highlight nature or the local scenery when I photograph when I go on a trip. I also like to photograph food I eat, I love food and want to share that with other people. Capturing a glimpse of the skyline, a beautiful mountain, or sand and ocean can tell a lot about a place. My favorite places that I have gone recently and thoroughly enjoyed are Panama, New York, and South Carolina. I hope to go many more places.
I could go on and on about photography and connect it to a lot of things in my life but, I will spare you that. Thank you for reading.

Kara Simone